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Maxlight — aluminium architectural glazing systems

Structural glazing — UK cost guide.

Structural glazing is project-specific engineering, not catalogue manufacture. Pricing reflects the engineering work as much as the glass itself.

This guide explains what structural glazing costs in the UK by variant: frameless glass walls, glass boxes, glass fins, and structural glass roofs. Each is a different engineering exercise, and the price band moves with the structural action the glass has to perform.

We do not publish a single per-square-metre figure for structural glazing because the figure would be wrong for half the projects we quote. A frameless glass wall on a flat slab is straightforward; a glass box at a corner with a cantilever above it is a project-specific engineering exercise that takes weeks of design work before the glass is ordered.

Final pricing is set against the project load case, the architect's drawings, and the structural engineer's output. The engineering work happens up front; the manufacturing cost is downstream of it. We do the glass engineering in-house; we engage with the project structural engineer on the surrounding structure.

Price bands

Bands by configuration. Final pricing is confirmed against drawings and a survey, not from a single per-square-metre figure.

All figures in GBP, supplied only — installation and structural opening preparation quoted separately.

Price bands by configuration
ConfigurationFootprintFrom
Frameless glass wallSingle plane, up to 12 m² totalBespoke pricing

13.5 mm laminated toughened standard

Frameless cornerTwo walls meeting at 90°, no corner postBespoke pricing

Structural silicone bonded

Glass box (3 walls + roof)Up to 10 m² overallBespoke pricing

Project-specific engineering

Structural glass roof (spanning)Span up to 4.5 m between supportsBespoke pricing

Triple-laminated, engineered to load

Glass fins (vertical structural beams)Per fin assemblyBespoke pricing

Sized to span and load

What moves the price

The variables that drive a quote up or down — surveyed against the project drawings rather than assumed from a generic spec.

  1. 01

    Load case

    The single biggest variable. A glass wall carrying its own weight is straightforward; a glass roof carrying snow and live loads is calculated against EN 16612. The lay-up is sized to the load — more load means more glass, more interlayer, more cost.

  2. 02

    Joint detail

    Structural silicone is the cheapest joint in absolute terms because the work is on the bond geometry rather than mechanical hardware. Concealed clamps cost more because the clamp itself is a fabricated component. Visible clamps (where deliberately expressed) sit between the two.

  3. 03

    Glass build-up

    Standard structural laminated is 6 + 1.52 + 6 mm with SentryGlas interlayer. Roofs and walk-on use 6 + 1.52 + 6 + 1.52 + 6 mm or thicker. Acoustic, switchable, and solar-control variants are quoted per project.

  4. 04

    Engineering work

    The engineering case for a structural glass element is non-trivial — geometry, load combinations, deflection check, breakage modelling, joint sizing. We bill the engineering as part of the cost rather than absorb it into the per-m² figure for projects where it dominates.

  5. 05

    Manufacturing tolerance

    ± 1 mm edge tolerance is the standard for structural glazing — significantly tighter than framed systems because there is no frame to absorb dimensional variation. Tighter tolerances on bespoke projects (± 0.5 mm) carry an uplift.

  6. 06

    Installation method

    Structural glazing typically needs scaffolding, sometimes a crane lift, often a controlled handling sequence on site. Installation is quoted per project against the access conditions, not from a fixed range.

  7. 07

    Lead time pressure

    Structural glazing runs the longest programme of any Maxlight system because the engineering happens up front. Compressing it (where the project programme demands) is sometimes possible at a programme premium; we are honest about when it is not possible rather than overcommit. We confirm the schedule at the survey and engineering stage.

  8. 08

    Project structural engineer

    For glass fins, structural roofs, and any glazing carrying loads from above, the project structural engineer needs to be involved. Where the project has none, we engage one against the project; the fee is quoted separately rather than absorbed.

  9. 09

    Listed building or conservation context

    Conservation-area and listed-building schemes carry additional design-development time because the conservation officer engagement is part of the design programme. We quote the design time honestly rather than absorb it.

Real project cost examples

Anonymised projects with the spec and the band the final figure landed in. Final figures are confirmed against site-specific drawings.

  • Glass box rear extension, west London

    3 m × 4 m × 2.6 m glass box on a single-storey rear extension

    Three frameless walls + structural roof, silicone-bonded corners, 13.5 mm laminated walls / 21.5 mm laminated roof

    Quoted on enquiry

  • Heritage extension, Hampshire

    Frameless glass wall reading against original brickwork, 6 m × 2.8 m

    Structural laminated, concealed clamp at head and sill, no visible mullion

    Quoted on enquiry

  • Listed building intervention, Oxford

    Glass fin and roof assembly forming a contemporary pavilion against a listed elevation

    Two glass fins acting as beams, structural glass roof spanning between, conservation-led detailing

    Quoted on enquiry

Structural vs framed alternatives

The cost trade-off between structural glazing and a framed alternative is rarely straightforward — the framed system is cheaper per m², but the result reads differently and behaves differently. The decision is design-led, not cost-led.

Structural vs framed alternatives
StructuralFramed sliding (corner)Curtain walling
Visible frame at cornerNoneSlim postMullion at every panel
Engineering requiredProject-specificStandard system calcStandard system calc
Lead timeConfirmed at surveyConfirmed at surveyConfirmed at survey
Cost per m² (supplied)Bespoke pricingBespoke pricingBespoke pricing

Frequently asked questions

  • What colours are available for your products?

    We offer the full RAL Classic colour range (216 colours), giving you complete flexibility to match your design vision. Whether you’re looking for bold contemporary tones or subtle architectural finishes, we can accommodate your requirements.

  • Do you offer anodised finishes?

    Anodised finishes are available on request. Please speak to our team to discuss options and suitability for your project.

  • What locking options are available, and can they be colour matched?

    Our doors are fitted with high-quality locking systems, including bottom locks (non-PAS 24) and PAS 24-rated side locks. While the lock barrels are not colour matched, the escutcheons (visible lock surrounds) can be finished to match your frame colour for a seamless look.

  • What security rating do your doors have?

    Our systems can be configured with PAS 24-rated side locks, providing enhanced security for residential applications.

  • What security certification do you offer?

    We offer systems that comply with PAS 24, a recognised UK standard for enhanced security performance.

  • Are your warranties transferable?

    Our warranties are property-based rather than person-based, meaning they remain valid if ownership of the property change

  • Can I view your products in a showroom?

    We offer a virtual showroom experience, which can be arranged through your sales contact.

  • Can I visit in person?

    Yes, visits can be arranged by appointment at our showroom at 333A Western Avenue, London, W3 0BE

  • What are your typical lead times?

    Our process is carefully structured to ensure precision and quality: - Survey Stage: Approximately 1 week to carry out a site survey, provided the site is fully prepared. We’ll supply clear guidelines in advance. - Design & Drawing Stage: Around 2 weeks (or up to 3 weeks for more complex projects such as glass boxes) from survey completion and receipt of all required technical details. - Manufacture & Installation: Approximately 8 weeks from final approval of drawings, with installation scheduled shortly after. Your project timeline will always be confirmed by your sales contact based on scope and complexity.

  • Do you offer bi-fold doors?

    We specialise in premium glazing systems that prioritise longevity and performance. Bi-fold doors typically require more maintenance due to their multiple moving parts and top-hung weight distribution. For this reason, we focus on alternative systems that offer cleaner aesthetics, smoother operation, and reduced long-term maintenance.

  • Will you liaise with my architect or builder?

    Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and project teams to ensure your design is delivered exactly as intended.

  • What areas do you cover?

    We operate across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Performance and assurance

Certified, documented, project-specific.

Glass U-value

1.0 W/m²K (glass / centre-pane figure)

Whole-window and project-specific thermal performance varies by configuration.

Warranty

  • 10 years workmanship from installation
  • 10 years on double-glazed units against hermetical seal failure (glass breakage not covered)
  • 10 years on powder-coated aluminium
  • 5 years on moving parts and accessories
Contact the team for project-specific thermal performanceRequest CAD details

Structural glazing is bespoke engineering with a manufactured product attached. Pricing reflects both. We are clear about the bands and clear about the engineering — and we tell clients honestly when a framed system would resolve the brief better at a lower cost.

Get a quoteVisit the showroom

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